Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Jim's Van collection area open?The collection area is open as soon as the gates are opened to the public. So as soon as you can get in you can use us.

I am flying in and arriving late - will I still be able to collect my camping gear when I get there?Site access varies at each event and will be detailed on the event's official website. If you will be arriving late at night please let us know in advance so that we can ensure one of us will be there to meet you.

Do you sell camping gas stoves and gas canisters?We sell gas or liquid fuel where it is approved to use these at the event. Most festivals prohibit these, so if you are cooking in the campsite you must use solid fuel blocks. We sell inexpensive solid fuel stoves and these include a pack of fuel blocks. If you need more fuel we also sell extra packs. Some other types of events do allow gas stoves and these will be available to buy here online and at the event while stocks last. You will find all the cooking equipment in our Shop.

Where will you be at the event?At larger events we are located in or adjacent to the campsite area(s) of the site. For details of where we are and how to get to us go to the Find Us At... section for the relevant event. For smaller events there might not be a Find Us At... section as we will be in an easy to find location once you are on site. Look out for the Jim's Van flags.

Are there any extra charges for you to take my camping gear to the event?No. When you order your camping kit from this website you are purchasing the whole service, which includes the items and the collection service on site at the event. The price you see is the price you pay.

Do you have a shop at the event where I can buy spares or things I might have forgotten?Yes, the Jim's Van collection area sells a limited supply of tents, sleeping bags, airbeds and similar, as well as spares like pegs, stoves, ponchos, etc. There are also extra items not on the website including batteries, sunglasses, bracelets and similar goodies. At some events, such as biker festivals, we sell event-specific items including insulating tape, small tool kits and so on.

Can you tell me the size of the tents?The product descriptions in our online Shop give specifications. If you wish to know more about a particular product please contact us.

I bought a cheap tent from a supermarket last year and it let the rain in badly. Are your tents waterproof?Yes, our tents are fully waterproofed to a minimum hydrostatic head (HH) of 1500mm and have taped seams. This includes the single-skinned pop-up tents. Single-skinned tents can create condensation on the inside of the tent. This is NOT rainwater that has come through the tent. Condensation can be minimised by opening the vents and allowing air to circulate. Large droplets of condensation can be avoided by ensuring the tent has been erected correctly and does not sag. Many festival-goers buy cheap pop-up tents from supermarkets or online and discover too late that they are not suitable for proper camping or rain. Either the material is not sufficiently waterproof, or the seams have exposed stitching, or the material is sub-standard, or all of these things. This is because the tent is cheap rubbish. You can either save a tenner or two and lie in a big puddle, or get a proper tent and stay dry and comfortable. All our tents are proper tents made for real camping. That includes festivals or anywhere else you want to camp. Even at a festival you will want to have a dry and comfortable night’s sleep at some point during the weekend!

Are these prices to rent the tents or to buy them?When you have collected your gear it is yours to keep. With Jim's Van you are buying quality gear from a camping shop but without having to carry it all with you when you travel to the event. If you do not want to take your tent with you when you leave, you can choose to donate the tent and any other equipment you have bought from us to the Honeypot Children's Charity by bringing it back to us - in good condition and packed away - at the Jim's Van collection area. Honeypot is an awesome charity that provides holidays and support to vulnerable children and young carers aged 5-12.